Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that his Chelsea stars can make it through the second week of the international break without picking up any injuries as he prepares for the Premier League's return. The Blues travel to Newcastle on Saturday in an eagerly awaited clash.

Eddie Howe's side also have a spate of fitness issues to deal with and could be left with as many as 12 players missing from the matchday squad. This is something Pochettino has already had to deal with this season but the fortnight away from domestic action has given some of his returning players a chance to move towards full recovery.

The break has also come with some worries too. Despite Raheem Sterling missing out on Gareth Southgate's England team for the third time in a row there have been some worries to keep on top of as Malo Gusto withdrew from the France Under-21 squad and Levi Colwill left the England camp early.

Here, football.london has the latest updates from the Blues treatment room and players across the world.

Conor Gallagher

Before England's win over Malta on Friday, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate announced that Gallagher had come into the camp carrying a slight knock but that he was perfectly fine to train with the group. He admitted that the 23-year-old was 'sore' from something that happened in the 4-4 draw against Manchester City last weekend, but he was fine to start in the qualifiers as England gear up for the 2024 Euros, playing 45 minutes of the 2-0 win.

What Southgate has said: "He has got tremendous drive. This week was a classic for me. He has come with a bit of a knock from the weekend but he walked through the door saying ‘it is a bit sore but I will be fine for Friday’.

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"There was no way he was going home, there was no way he wasn't going to give himself every chance. He wasn't able to train for the first few days but he was determined he would be available and that, in a nutshell, is what is going to be one of his greatest strengths which will allow himself to achieve everything he might in the game because his mentality is outstanding."

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25

Wesley Fofana

Fofana is set to miss most of the season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training ahead of the tour of America. Yet, while it remains to be seen when he will return, he's posted a promising update to his Instagram story.

The star posted an image of his feet, wearing football boots and with the phrase 'After [a] long time' and a running emoji alongside a football emoji.

Possible return date: April 2024

Malo Gusto

Gusto was selected as part of France's Under-21 squad after being called up by Thierry Henry. Nantes full-back Quentin Merlin joined him in pulling out and Stade Brestois's Bradley Locko was the only player selected in reaction for games against Austria and South Korea.

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25

Reece James

Reece James was called up by Gareth Southgate into England's squad for the final two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia. However, James rejected the chance to join up with the camp.

What Southgate said: "I was hoping to call up Reece James but he doesn’t feel he’s quite ready. I understand that, he’s had a long path back from a number of injuries. He’s probably a bit cautious in that respect, but I can understand why."

He added: "We’ve got belief in what he can do. We did discuss [reporting for duty to attend team meetings] and he was very keen to make clear, 'Look I don’t want you to think I don’t want to be there'.

"We had a really good long conversation and exchange of messages after that as well. But I’m very understanding. His injury record, you can see the number of matches and the different phases. So we are all conscious that we want to have a fit Reece that can play consecutive games."

Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea following a major blow to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund but could be set for an incredible return ahead of schedule. After his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer, he's finally been seen out on the training pitches at Cobham in a huge boost to supporters.

After constant teases from the star via his social media channels as he shared videos of him working out his knee, doing keepy-ups and even a message earlier this week saying 'See you soon'. Pochettino also revealed that the Frenchman is targeting an ambitious return soon after the international break.

Nkunku won a social media challenge between himself and French teammates Ibrahima Konate and Colin Dagba, reaching the most buttons pressed whilst balancing in a plank position, legs on an exercise ball. His trainer posted images of the attempt online.

What Pochettino has said: "We had some conversation and he said to me, 'Coach, I want to be ready for after the international break, Newcastle'. I asked him yesterday and he said 'hmmm', and I said 'you are liar'. 'No, no I am ready'. It is close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional."

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25

Levi Colwill

Colwill missed Sunday's game due to a shoulder injury, football.london understands. The 20-year-old had started all 11 of the Blues' opening Premier League games of the season after returning from his successful loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The defender was named in the England squad but later pulled out due to injury.

What Pochettino has said: "I don't know, Jesus, how is Levi? [press officer: we'll update in the next 24 hours]."

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) - Saturday, November 25

Romeo Lavia

On Friday afternoon, Lavia posted a selfie to his Instagram story. The youngster also accompanied the image with a picture of his tied football boots, with a smiley face and blue heart emoji as his caption.

Lavia has been nursing an ankle issue since he arrived at Stamford Bridge and he's still yet to make his debut for the Blues. Last month, the Belgian was dealt a major setback on his road to recovery, pushing his return date back to late November, maybe December.

What Pochettino said: "Romeo Lavia is also close. They trained today on the pitch. Hope that next week will be involved with the team and see after. Day by day see when it is possible to play with the team."

Possible return date: December.

Trevoh Chalobah

Chalobah has been nursing a thigh injury and is still yet to feature for Chelsea this season. He has been seen in training in the gym at Cobham during the international break.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Chukwuemeka picked up a knock ahead of the game with Arsenal and then made the bench against Burnley, but the midfielder has since been hit with another setback. He has struggled with a knee problem which he suffered against West Ham earlier in the campaign.

Possible return date: Unknown

Ben Chilwell

Chilwell suffered a knock towards the end of Chelsea's clash with Brighton in the Carabao Cup at the end of September. Unfortunately for the Blues defender, the club quickly realised that the muscle issue was worse than first thought and, more than a month later, he's still out of action.

What Pochettino said: "I can not tell you [when he will be back]. It is difficult to know. He is away from the training ground now and we will wait for him to come back to see the situation. Hopefully, he can recover as soon as possible."

Possible return date: December